John Lewis defends plans to build 10,000 rental homes on its land

Group has submitted planning application for projects in west and south-east London in face of criticism

John Lewis has defended a plan to build homes to rent as the group files planning applications for projects in west and south-east London, and prepares to manage tenancies at three sites built by other developers.

The John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose supermarkets and a string of department stores, has pledged to build and rent out 10,000 homes as part of bold plans to generate 40% of profits from outside retail by 2030.